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Report released regarding Colchester County Accident

Jun

16

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) today released its report into the crash of a vehicle into a garbage truck on the Pictou Road, (Highway 4) just north of Highway 104 on October 29, 2014 in Colchester County.

Around 3:30 p.m. a member of the RCMP Traffic Services attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of the Pictou and Salmon River Roads as he observed the driver of a motor vehicle failing to wear his seatbelt. The car sped away from the RCMP vehicle. The police vehicle attempted to catch up to the car, but after 50 seconds discontinued any attempt to continue a pursuit. The car did not slow down, and a short time later it passed a truck on the wrong side of the road in the middle of a blind left hand turn in the road. It then collided with a large garbage truck travelling in the opposite direction and ended up in the left hand ditch. The car was significantly damaged, and the driver had to be cut from his vehicle. He suffered very serious injuries and was transported to the QEII hospital in Halifax. The driver of the truck was not injured.

The investigation, aided by video from inside the RCMP vehicle, a statement from the officer, and several witness statements, demonstrated the RCMP officer properly discontinued his pursuit when it became clear that the car was not going to stop. As a result, there were no grounds to consider any charges against the officer. The accident was caused solely by the actions of the injured party, who chose to speed off instead of pulling over as required.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.